Occupational therapy

Our ability to perform everyday activities is something we rarely think about until we have trouble doing
them. These abilities may be related to what we can think of as “occupational roles” that might include
roles such as a parent, a friend, an athlete, a cook, an artist, a musician or any other role that is part of
our regular lives. If you have an accident, injury or condition that limits your ability to perform any of
your roles, you may be a candidate for occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy can help you regain the ability to perform tasks and activities you want and need
to do. For example, imagine if you had an accident or a condition that made it difficult for you to get
dressed in the morning or get items out of cabinets in your kitchen. Some of the physical limitations you
experience might be treated with physical therapy, but other limitations could be better treated with
occupational therapy.

What are the benefits of occupational therapy?
 

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus their treatment on the parts of a
person’s life that will help them complete their daily routines, especially those related to self-care.
These tasks may include taking care of family, dressing, bathing, eating and toileting so they can
maintain their independence.
 

At The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend, our occupational therapy program will help
you return to the everyday activities of your life, including bathing, dressing, grooming and eating. Our
care team works closely with you and the rest of your healthcare team to develop a personalized
program for recovery at your own pace.
 

Our occupational therapy services include:

• Endurance-increasing exercises

• Energy-conservation techniques

• Fine-motor coordination exercises

• Hand- and arm-strengthening exercises

• Simplification of everyday tasks

• Use of adaptive equipment

 

To learn more about occupational therapy, call 620-792-8171.

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